Magnetic recorder/reproducer

ABSTRACT

The hub of a take-up reel ( 20 ) has a notch ( 20   b ) which is formed so as to correspond to the moving paths of guide posts ( 33, 34, 35 ) passing between a rotating drum type magnetic head ( 10 ) and the take-up reel ( 20 ). With this configuration, the magnetic head ( 10 ) and the take-up reel ( 20 ) can be disposed close to each other, thereby reducing the plane installation area of a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in the longitudinal direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus which performs recording and reproduction on a single reelcartridge.

BACKGROUND ART

Magnetic recording/reproducing apparatuses for performing recording andreproduction on a so-called single reel cartridge, in which a magnetictape is wound around a single reel and stored, have been already known.As compared with a two-reel cartridge comprising a supply reel and atake-up reel, the single reel cartridge does not have a take-up reeltherein, thereby achieving a compact cartridge.

In the single reel cartridge, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), aleader block 3 is provided on the leading edge of a magnetic tape 2stored in a cartridge 1. Then, the cartridge 1 is loaded by means of acassette loading mechanism (not shown) in A direction and is stored on apredetermined position. From this state, the leader block 3 istransported to a take-up reel 6 via a guide post 4 and a recording head5.

Two methods are mainly used for transporting the leader block 3 to thetake-up reel 6 as follows:

1. A hook is attached to the end of a lead-in tape connected to thetake-up reel 6, the hook catches the leader block 3, the leader block 3is moved to the take-up reel 6 via the lead-in tape in this state, andthe leader block 3 is locked in the take-up reel 6.

2. A transporting/connecting mechanism called a transport is provided,the leader block 3 is chucked by a pin and the like provided in thetransporting/connecting mechanism, and the leader block 3 is moved tothe take-up reel 6 by means of a lever and a rail provided in thetransporting/connecting mechanism.

In this configuration, a fixed magnetic head shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) has been conventionally used as the recording head 5 which performsrecording and reproduction on the magnetic tape 2. Instead, the use of arotating drum type magnetic head is proposed for high density recording(e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-303801, Japanese Patent Laid-OpenNo. 6-103649).

As shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), a conventional magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus using the single reel cartridge 1 and arotating drum type magnetic head is configured as follows: in plan view,the rotating drum type magnetic head (hereinafter referred to as arotary magnetic head) 10 is disposed at the center, the single reelcartridge 1 is disposed so as to be stored on the upstream side (leftside in FIG. 11) and the take-up reel 6 is disposed in the rear (rightside in FIG. 11) while predetermined intervals are provided on bothsides of the rotary magnetic head 10. Further, a transporting/connectingmechanism 11 for transporting the leader block 3 of the cartridge 1 isdisposed from the installation position of the cartridge 1 to the centerof the take-up reel 6 (FIG. 11 schematically shows the installationposition of the transporting/connecting mechanism 11). On one side ofthe take-up reel 6, a notch 6 a is formed only on a part correspondingto the moving path of a grabber for catching the leader block 3 of thecartridge 1 in the vicinity of the center of the take-up reel 6.Reference numeral 7 denotes a supply reel which is disposed in thecartridge 1 and has the magnetic tape 2 wound thereon.

After the leader block 3 of the cartridge 1 is locked into the take-upreel 6, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of guide posts (tape guiderollers 12 and 13 for winding the magnetic tape 2 around the rotarymagnetic head 10, a pinch roller 15 for pressing the magnetic tape 2onto a capstan 14 a serving as the axis of rotation of a capstan motor.14, and a guide roller 16 for guiding the magnetic tape 2 from thetake-up reel 6 to the capstan 14 a) are moved along predetermined movingpaths a and b. With these operations, the magnetic tape 2 is woundaround the rotary magnetic head 10 and the magnetic tape 2 istransported by the capstan 14 a at a predetermined speed, andinformation on the magnetic tape 2 is read and written by the rotarymagnetic head 10.

However, in the case where the single reel cartridge 1 is used in themagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus having the rotary magnetic head10, the rotary magnetic head 10 has to be separated from the take-upreel 6 in consideration of the maximum winding diameter of the take-upreel 6, and the rotary magnetic head 10 and the take-up reel 6 have tobe disposed somewhat apart from each other in consideration of themoving paths a and b not permitting some of the guide posts (the tapeguide rollers 12 and 13, the pinch roller 15, the guide roller 16, andso on) to interfere with the hub and the like of the take-up reel 6 whenthe guide posts for drawing the magnetic tape 2 are moved. Therefore,the length of the overall product serving as the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus is larger than the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus comprising the recording head 5 of afixed head type. Particularly, the apparatus has a large length L1 inthe longitudinal (depth) direction along which a part for storing thecartridge. 1, the rotary magnetic head 10, and the take-up reel 6 arearranged, as seen in plan view, and thus the apparatus has a large planeinstallation area. Hence, the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatusis increased in size.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problem, a magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, in which asingle reel cartridge having stored a magnetic tape is freely attachedand detached, comprises a take-up reel for winding up a magnetic tape, arotating drum type magnetic head for performing recording andreproduction on the magnetic tape, a capstan motor for transporting themagnetic tape at a predetermined speed, a transporting/connectingmechanism for transporting and connecting a leading edge of the magnetictape to the take-up reel when the cartridge is mounted, and a pluralityof guide posts which are disposed at predetermined unloading positionswhen the magnetic tape is not connected to the take-up reel, and afterthe leading edge of the magnetic tape is connected to the take-up reel,the guide posts are moved to predetermined loading positions, at whichthe magnetic tape is guided so as to be wound around the rotating drumtype magnetic head and is pressed to a capstan rotated by the capstanmotor, along predetermined moving paths. The take-up reel has a hub hasa notch formed to correspond to the moving path of at least one of theguide posts passing between the rotating drum type magnetic head and thetake-up reel.

According to this configuration, when at least one of the guide postsmoves between the rotating drum type magnetic head and the take-up reel,the guide post passes through the notch formed on the hub of the take-upreel. Thus, the rotating drum type magnetic head and the take-up reelcan be disposed close to each other.

According to the invention of claim 2, the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus of claim 1 is so characterized that whenthe magnetic tape is wound around the take-up reel for a predetermineddiameter or larger, the guide posts are prohibited from moving to theunloading positions and are permitted to move only to half loadingpositions which do not interfere with the magnetic tape wound around thetake-up reel.

With this configuration, during fast forwarding and rewinding, the guideposts are moved to the half loading positions. Thus, fast forwarding andrewinding can be performed without any problems.

According to the invention of claim 3, the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus of claim 1 or 2 is so characterized thatwhen the magnetic tape is wound around the take-up reel for apredetermined diameter or larger, the magnetic tape is completely woundup into the cartridge and then the guide posts are moved to theunloading positions when an instruction to eject the cartridge isissued.

With this configuration, when an instruction to eject the cartridge isissued, the magnetic tape is completely wound up into the cartridge andthen the guide posts are moved to the unloading positions, so that areturn is made to a standby state without any problems.

A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus according to claim 4 of thepresent invention, in which a single reel cartridge having stored amagnetic tape is freely attached and detached, comprises a take-up reelfor winding up a magnetic tape, a rotating drum type magnetic head forperforming recording and reproduction on the magnetic tape, a capstanmotor for transporting the magnetic tape at a predetermined speed, atransporting/connecting mechanism for transporting and connecting aleading edge of the magnetic tape to the take-up reel when the cartridgeis mounted, a plurality of guide posts which are disposed atpredetermined unloading positions when the magnetic tape is notconnected to the take-up reel, and after the leading edge of themagnetic tape is connected to the take-up reel, the guide posts aremoved to predetermined loading positions, along predetermined movingpaths, at which the magnetic tape is guided to be wound around therotating drum type magnetic head and pressed to a capstan rotated by thecapstan motor. The take-up reel and the cartridge overlap each other asseen in plan view taken along the thickness direction of the cartridge,and are located at different positions in a vertical direction.

With this configuration, in plan view taken along the thicknessdirection of the cartridge, the take-up reel and the cartridge overlapeach other, so that it is possible to reduce the installation area ofthe magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus as seen in plan view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention in an unloading state where a cartridge is stored anda leader block is transported to a winding reel;

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a half loading state of themagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a loading state of themagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a half loading state of themagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an unloading state before the leader blockof the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is detached from atake-up reel;

FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus according to still another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus;

FIGS. 10(a) and 10 (b) are planviews schematically showing aconventional magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, FIG. 10(a)showing that a cartridge is inserted, and FIG. 10(b) showing that thecartridge is stored;

FIGS. 11(a) and 11 (b) are plan views schematically showing aconventional magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus having a drummagnetic head, FIG. 11(a) showing that a cartridge is inserted, and FIG.10(b) showing that the cartridge is stored; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the conventional magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus in a loading state.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following will describe embodiments of the present invention inaccordance with the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 5 are plan views schematically showing a magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 1 shows an unloading state where a cartridge isstored and a leader block is transported to a take-up reel. FIG. 2 showsthat an unloading state is switched to a half loading state. FIG. 3shows a loading state. FIG. 4 shows that the loading state is switchedto the half loading state. FIG. 5 shows an unloading state before theleader block is detached from the take-up reel. In the presentembodiment, the side for storing the cartridge (left side in FIGS. 1 to5) is referred to as an upstream side (front side). The constituentelements having substantially the same functions are indicated by thesame reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatusaccording to the present embodiment of the present invention, a singlereel cartridge 1 (having only a supply reel 7) which has stored amagnetic tape 2 is disposed so as to be freely attached and detached inA direction. Further, a leader block 3 is attached to the leading edgeof the magnetic tape 2.

The magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a take-up reel 20for taking up the magnetic tape 2, a rotating drum type magnetic head(hereinafter referred to as a rotary magnetic head) 10 for performingrecording and reproduction on the magnetic tape 2, a capstan motor 14for transporting the magnetic tape 2 at a predetermined speed, atransporting/connecting mechanism (the present embodiment only shows(FIG. 1) an engaging claw 21 which is engaged in the leader block 3 anda transfer rail 22 which guides the engaging claw 21 along a movingpath, and members other than the engaging claw 21 of thetransporting/connecting mechanism are disposed above a point on achassis 30 of the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in which thecartridge 1 and so on are stored) which takes up the leader block 3,which has been attached to the leading edge of the magnetic tape 2, toan engaged concave portion 20 a of the take-up reel 20 and connects theleader block 3 to the engaged concave portion 20 a when the cartridge 1is mounted, and a plurality of guide posts which wind the magnetic tape2 around the rotary magnetic head 10 and presses the magnetic tape 2 toa capstan 14 a of the capstan motor 14.

In this configuration, the rotary magnetic head 10 is disposedsubstantially at the center of the magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus in plan view and the single reel cartridge 1 is disposed onthe upstream side of the rotary magnetic head 10 so as to be stored inthe apparatus. The take-up reel 20 is disposed in the rear of the rotarymagnetic head 10.

The guide posts are constituted of a fixed guide roller 37 which isfixed on a predetermined position and guides the magnetic tape 2 havingjust been transported from the cartridge 1, a guide roller 31 which canmove along a first guide groove 30 a formed on the chassis 30 and servesas a first guide post for guiding the magnetic tape 2 having just beentransported from the cartridge 1, first and second tape guide rollers 32and 33 which can move along second and third guide grooves 30 b and 30 cformed on the chassis 30 and serve as second and third guide posts forwinding the magnetic tape 2 around the rotary magnetic head 10 at apredetermined angle, first and second guide rollers 34 and 35 which canmove along fourth and fifth guide grooves 30 d and 30 e formed on thechassis 30 and serve as fourth and fifth guide posts for guiding themagnetic tape 2 to the capstan 14 a, and a pinch roller 36 which canmove in a predetermined direction, can move up and down, and serves as asixth guide post for causing the magnetic tape 2 to slidably contactwith the capstan 14 a. Besides, the guide posts (not shown) other thanthe fixed guide roller 37 are moved along the guide grooves 30 a to 30 eby means of a driving mechanism disposed under the chassis 30.

In addition to this configuration, a notch 20 b is formed on the hub ofthe take-up reel 2 in the present invention. The notch 20 b is shapedlike a sector corresponding to the third, fourth, fifth guide grooves 30c, 30 d, and 30 e serving as the moving paths of the second tape guideroller 33 and the first and second guide rollers 34 and 35, which passbetween the rotary magnetic head 10 and the take-up reel 20. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, in the unloading state where the magnetic tape 2 is notwound around the rotary magnetic head 10, the first and second guiderollers 34 and 35 are disposed in the notch 20 b.

In this configuration, when the cartridge 1 is stored in the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus, the engaging claw 21 of thetransporting/connecting mechanism moves along the transfer rail 22,takes up the leader block 3 attached to the leading edge of the magnetictape 2, transports the leader block 3 to the engaged concave portion 20a of the take-up reel 20, and connects the leader block 3 to the engagedconcave portion 20 a. When the magnetic tape 2 is drawn thus, as shownin FIG. 1, the guide roller 31 close to a part for storing the cartridge1 is disposed on the end of the first guide groove 30 a so as to beclose to the rotary magnetic head 10. The first and second tape guiderollers 32 and 33 and the first and second guide rollers 34 and 35 aredisposed in the guide grooves 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, and 30 e so as to beseparated from the rotary magnetic head 10.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to advance to he half loadingstate serving as a standby state, the guide roller 31 is moved away fromthe rotary magnetic head 10 along the first guide groove 30 a. At thesame time, while the take-up reel 20 is rotated in c direction, thesecond tape guide roller 33 is moved to the intermediate position of thethird guide groove 30 c so as to be closer to the rotary magnetic head10, and the first and second guide rollers 34 and 35 are moved to theends of the fourth and fifth guide grooves 30 d and 30 e so as to becloser to the capstan 14 a. In this half loading state, the second tapeguide roller 33 and the first and second guide rollers 34 and 35 aredisposed outside the hub of the take-up reel 2.

When an instruction to read or write is issued in the half loadingstate, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second tape guide rollers 32and 33 are moved to the ends of the second and third guide grooves 30 band 30 c that are closer to the rotary magnetic head 10, and themagnetic tape 2 is kept wound around the rotary magnetic head 10 at apredetermined angle. At the same time, the pinch roller 36 is pressed tothe capstan 14 a with the magnetic tape 2 being sandwiched between thepinch roller 36 and the capstan 14 a. In this loading state, the capstan14 a is rotated to transport the magnetic tape 2 at the predeterminedspeed. Meanwhile, the rotary magnetic head 10 is rotated to read andwrite data on the magnetic tape 2. In this embodiment, in a state otherthan the loading state, the pinch roller 36 is retracted downward (orupward) to a predetermined position so as not to interfere with themagnetic tape 2. Further, in the loading state, the second tape guideroller 33 is disposed so as to widely move around to the part forstoring the cartridge 1. Thus, the first tape guide roller 32 does nothave to pass between the rotary magnetic head 10 and the part forstoring the cartridge 1.

In the loading state, when the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatusreceives an instruction to fast-forward and rewind the tape, as shown inFIG. 4, the second tape guide roller 33 and the pinch roller 36 arereturned to the half loading state to fast-forward (fast search) andrewind the tape.

Further, when receiving an instruction to eject the cartridge 1, thesupply reel 7 and the take-up reel 20 first perform rewinding and thenthe magnetic tape 2 is completely rewound into the cartridge 1.Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide roller 31 is moved in thefirst guide groove 30 a so as to be closer to the rotary magnetic head10. At the same time, while the magnetic tape 2 is rotated in ddirection, the second tape guide roller 33 is moved to the end of thethird guide groove 3 that is separated from the rotary magnetic head 10,and the first and second guide rollers 34 and 35 are moved to the endsof the fourth and fifth guide grooves 30 d and 30 e so as to beseparated from the capstan 14 a, so that the unloading state is made.

In this configuration, the second tape guide roller 33 and the first andsecond guide rollers 34 and 35 pass through the notch 20 b formed on thehub of the take-up reel 20 when the unloading state is switched to thehalf loading state. The rotary magnetic head 10 and the take-up reel 20can be disposed close to each other as long as the outer periphery ofthe hub of the take-up reel 20 does not make contact with the rotarymagnetic head 10. Further, in the loading state, the second tape guideroller 33 is widely moved around so as to be closer to the part forstoring the cartridge 1 and the first tape guide roller 32 is configuredso as not to pass between the rotary magnetic head 10 and the part forstoring the rotary magnetic head 10, so that the part for storing thecartridge 1 can be closer to the rotary magnetic head 10.

As a result, as compared with the configuration of FIG. 12, it ispossible to shorten the length of the overall product serving as themagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. Particularly it is possible toreduce a length L2 (FIG. 1) in the longitudinal (depth) direction alongwhich the part for storing the cartridge 1, the rotary magnetic head 10,and the take-up reel 20 are arranged and to reduce a plane installationarea (the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus of the presentembodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5 is enlarged from the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus of FIGS. 10 to 12). Thus,miniaturization can be achieved for a magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus having the rotary magnetic head 10.

Further, when the magnetic tape 2 is wound around the take-up reel 20,the second tape guide roller 33 and the first and second guide rollers34 and 35 are prohibited from moving to the unloading position and arepermitted to move only to the half loading positions which do notinterfere with the magnetic tape 2 wound by the take-up reel 20. Thus,fast forwarding and rewinding can be performed without any problems.

Further, when an instruction to eject the cartridge 1 is issued, themagnetic tape 2 is completely wound up into the cartridge 1 and then thesecond tape guide roller 33 and the first and second guide rollers 34and 35 are moved to the unloading positions, so that the cartridge 1 canbe returned to a standby state enabling ejection and insertion withoutany problems.

The above embodiment described that the notch 20 b of the take-up reel20 is formed like a sector (arc-shaped). The shape of the notch 20 b isnot limited and a semicircle is also applicable as shown in FIG. 6.Moreover, the notching depth (cutting depth from the outer periphery tothe center of the hub) of the notch 20 b does not have to reach thecenter of the hub. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce adistance between the rotary magnetic head 10 and the take-up reel 20 ascompared with the absence of the notch 20 b. When the notching depth issmall, the magnetic tape 2 is wound around the take-up reel 20 for apredetermined diameter (outside diameter at the point where the notch 20b is disposed) or larger. When the magnetic tape 2 is wound out of thenotch 20 b, the guide posts (the second tape guide roller 33 and thefirst and second guide rollers 34 and 35) are prohibited from moving tothe unloading positions and are permitted to move only to the halfloading positions which do not interfere with the magnetic tape 2 woundaround the take-up reel 20. In the case of the magnetic tape 2 wound forthe predetermined diameter or larger, when an instruction to eject thecartridge 1 is issued, the magnetic tape 2 is completely wound up intothe cartridge 1 and then the guide posts are moved to the unloadingpositions.

FIGS. 7 to 9 are a plan view, a perspective view, and a side sectionalview which show a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus according toanother embodiment of the present invention. The constituent elementshaving the same functions as those of the magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus of the above-described embodiment are indicated by the samereference numerals and the explanation thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus of the present embodiment, a take-up reel 50 and the cartridge1 overlap each other in plan view taken along the thickness direction ofa cartridge 1, and are positioned at different level positions in avertical direction. In FIGS. 7 to 9, reference numeral 3 denotes aleader block, reference numeral 56 denotes a transfer rail for guidingthe leader block 3, reference numerals 51 a to 51 d denote guide postsfor guiding a magnetic tape, reference numerals 52 and 53 denote firstand second tape guide rollers which serve as guide posts for winding themagnetic tape 2 around a rotary magnetic head 10 at a predeterminedangle, and reference numerals 54 and 55 denote guide grooves for guidingthe first and second tape guide rollers. The running system of themagnetic tape 2 has a multilevel configuration.

In this configuration, when the cartridge 1 is inserted into themagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, the leader block 3, which isthe medium leading edge of the cartridge 1, is drawn along the transferrail 56. The drawn magnetic tape 2 is stored in a multilevel manner intothe take-up reel 50, which is disposed below the cartridge 1 in anoverlapped manner, while the magnetic tape 2 is guided by the pluralityof guide posts 51 a to 51 d. The first and second tape guide rollers 52and 53 disposed outside the magnetic tape 2 guided by the guide posts 51a to 51 d are moved along the guide grooves 54 and 55 to the vicinity ofthe rotary magnetic head 10. Thus, the magnetic tape 2 is wound aroundthe rotary magnetic head 10 at a predetermined angle and loading iscompleted.

Also in this configuration, since the take-up reel 50 is disposed so asto overlap the cartridge 1 in plan view taken along the thicknessdirection of the cartridge 1, the magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus can be reduced in installation area in plan view.

As described above, according to the present invention, a notch isformed on the hub of a take-up reel. The notch corresponds to the movingpath of at least one guide post passing between a rotating drum typemagnetic head and the take-up reel. Thus, the rotating drum typemagnetic head and the take-up reel can be disposed close to each other.As a result, it is possible to achieve a compact magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus which comprises the rotating drum typemagnetic head with a shorter length in the longitudinal direction and asmaller installation area as seen in plan view, thereby expanding theapplicability of a system comprising the magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus.

Further, in the case where the magnetic tape is wound around the take-upreel for a predetermined diameter or larger, guide posts are prohibitedfrom moving to unloading positions and are permitted to move only tohalf loading positions which do not interfere with the magnetic tapewound by the take-up reel, so that fast forwarding and rewinding can beperformed without any problems.

Moreover, in the case where the magnetic tape is wound around thetake-up reel for the predetermined diameter or larger, when aninstruction to eject the cartridge is issued, the magnetic tape iscompletely wound up into the cartridge and then the guide posts aremoved to the unloading positions. Thus, when an instruction to eject thecartridge is issued, a return is made to a standby state without anyproblems.

Furthermore, the take-up reel and the cartridge overlap each other inplan view taken along the thickness direction of the cartridge, and arelocated at different positions in a vertical direction. Also with thisconfiguration, it is possible to reduce the installation area of themagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus as seen in plan view, therebyexpanding the applicability of a system comprising the magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus.

1. A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, in which a single reelcartridge having stored a magnetic tape is freely attached and detached,comprising: a take-up reel for winding up a magnetic tape drawn from acartridge; a rotating drum type magnetic head for performing recordingand reproduction on the magnetic tape; a transporting/connectingmechanism for transporting and connecting a leading edge of the magnetictape to the take-up reel when the cartridge is mounted; and a pluralityof guide posts disposed at predetermined unloading positions when themagnetic tape is not connected to the take-up reel and, after theleading edge of the magnetic tape is connected to the take-up reel,moved to predetermined loading positions to guide the magnetic tape tobe wound around the rotating drum type magnetic head along predeterminedmoving paths, wherein the take-up reel has a hub formed with a notchcorresponding to the moving path of at least one of the guide postspassing between the rotating drum type magnetic head and the take-upreel.
 2. The magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus according to claim1, wherein when the magnetic tape is wound around the take-up reel for apredetermined diameter or larger, the guide posts are prohibited frommoving to the unloading positions and are permitted to move only to halfloading positions where the guide posts do not interfere with themagnetic tape wound around the take-up reel.
 3. The magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when themagnetic tape is wound around the take-up reel for a predetermineddiameter or larger, the magnetic tape is completely wound up into thecartridge and then the guide posts are moved to the unloading positionswhen an instruction to eject the cartridge is issued.
 4. A magneticrecording/reproducing apparatus, in which a single reel cartridge havingstored a magnetic tape is freely attached and detached, comprising: atake-up reel for winding up the magnetic tape drawn from a cartridge; arotating drum type magnetic head for performing recording andreproduction on the magnetic tape; a transporting/connecting mechanismfor transporting and connecting a leading edge of the magnetic tape tothe take-up reel when the cartridge is mounted; and a plurality of guideposts for guiding the magnetic tape such that the magnetic tape is woundaround the rotating drum type magnetic head, wherein the take-up reeland the cartridge overlap each other as seen in a plan viewperpendicular to a thickness direction of the cartridge, and arepositioned at vertically different levels.